The cloud, the cloud, the cloud. It seems everyone wants us to work in the cloud. It has been about three years since I last wrote on this subject, so it’s time for some updates. My evolution My use of the cloud has increased...
Clearly, using tracking software that records tools as they are checked out and returned is easier than manually recording or using spreadsheets. Simple tool tracking has become asset management. For equipment, applications...
Mobile apps provide users with similar services to those available on computers for quick, easy access anywhere on smartphones and tablets. Below, electrical contractors from across the country discuss a range of popular apps...
Congratulations! Since you are reading this column, you are most likely employed as a professional in the electrical construction industry. If you’re a seasoned veteran, you already know a lot. If you’ve just gotten started,...
As construction becomes more high-tech, contractors can choose from an array of software and apps that claim to boost revenue, satisfy customers and increase efficiency. Selecting solutions means researching the options and...
This month, we complete the takeoff spreadsheet. We left off last month having typed in some text. Let’s do a little formatting now. Most formatting is done by highlighting a cell or range of cells, then left-clicking on a...
Last month , I covered a few spreadsheet basics. This month, let’s see what we can do with a spreadsheet, a few formulas and some formatting. Spreadsheets have many formatting tools, which enable you to recreate almost any...
I have been using spreadsheet software since the early 1980s, when VisiCalc was available for the Apple II computer. The company I was working for purchased the McCormick Estimating System, which was delivered with a new...
Networked lighting controls are intelligent (computing-based) and programmable systems in which devices communicate to enact control strategies. Each control point in the network has a unique address, which can be assigned...
Every month, we pick the top Ideas That Work submitted by you, ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR readers. These ideas can't be found in any code or guidebook and are only learned or devised through years of experience and thinking,...
Computer Software and software-related products help contractors solve problems and streamline operations, increasing productivity and accuracy. This article details a selection of software solutions. Of course, this is just...
With the rising costs of construction, electronic technologies that aid project management may become some of the most important tools in your toolbox. Software designed to streamline field operations and material purchases,...
For electrical contracting companies that have many large, complex projects underway at the same time, construction management software is the key to making everything go smoothly and to completing each job on schedule and...
Vendors strive to identify and meet the needs of ECs: T here is a head-spinning amount of software options for electrical contractors today ranging from estimating to automating to integration of all facets of a very large...
Electrical contractors install a variety of parts, material and equipment on every job, which represents almost half of the total project cost. Providing the correct materials at the right time is critical to keeping projects...
Software vendors once bemoaned the fact that contractors were comfortable being “behind the times” when it came to technology. But in just a few years, electrical contractors have come to the forefront by using technology...
' Just in time' used to be the battle cry in security product manufacturing and distribution. Now, it is more than just in time-it is all about arming the contractor with the information they need to boost sales and present...
The destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina is unfathomable to me. To think about the reconstruction seems premature and pointless; a self-serving distraction to take my mind away from the tragedy. But as Americans, this is...
T here are many estimating software systems on the market, competing for your money. Accubid, ConEst, Estimation, McCormick Systems, Timberline, Vision InfoSoft—the list goes on and on. Most of them will be at the upcoming...
“Trusted computing” (TC) is another modern commercial computer tool. Just what does that mean? The dictionary presented definitions such as “have faith in,” “rely on,” “have confidence in” and “count on.” The concept and need...
